BC Will Play Host To India’s Version Of Oscars

The Times of India Film Awards will be held at BC Place.

According to a Globe And Mail article, the BC government has invested $11 million to host the Times of India Film Awards this coming April, which is the equivalent to the Oscars in India.

Bollywood stars like Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Abhishek Bachchan, and Anuska Sharma will be in attendance, along with hosts Karan Johar (a director/producer) and actress Chitrangada Singh. The B.C. Premier, Christy Clark, made the announcement yesterday that the province would invest heavily in the event, saying in an official release (as reported by The Canadian Press), "This is one piece of our government's outreach efforts in India, opening up new opportunities for trade and investment that will create jobs here at home. "This is a tremendous economic opportunity for British Columbia to reach new markets, one that we will take advantage of."

“The diaspora love that our films have received over the last 50 years has been something that I can’t describe in words,” Johar said to The Globe And Mail. “Really, the diaspora love has made Indian cinema even more impactful, even more global."

The events will last three days, with the final gala awards ceremony being held at BC Place on April 6th. Awards in 14 categories will be handed out.